Some people get flowers for their birthday. Kim Kardashian gets to raid Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary jewellery collection!
Well, almost.
For her 46th birthday, Kim received an extraordinary surprise from celebrity stylist Law Roach, who arranged a private appointment at Bulgari in Rome, giving her the rare opportunity to try on one of Elizabeth Taylor’s most treasured pieces: her spectacular emerald and diamond necklace.
And honestly, how do you top a birthday present like that?
A $6 Million Necklace with a Hollywood Love Story
The breathtaking Bulgari creation is far more than an extravagant piece of jewellery. It carries a fascinating piece of Hollywood history.
Originally gifted to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton, the necklace features 16 magnificent emeralds set in platinum, each surrounded by sparkling diamonds. Diamond quatrefoil links connect the gemstones, creating an elaborate design that feels every bit as glamorous today as it did in the 1960s.
The necklace was a wedding gift from Burton in 1964, during one of Hollywood’s most famously passionate romances.
Its accompanying detachable emerald-and-diamond pendant features a remarkable 23.46-carat Colombian emerald.
The necklace fetched approximately $6.13 million at Christie’s in 2011, while the matching pendant brooch sold separately for around $6.58 million.
Talk about jewellery with a history!
Law Roach Pulls Off the Ultimate Birthday Surprise
Kim shared glimpses of the special experience on Instagram on October 28, revealing how Law Roach had managed to secure access to the historic Bulgari jewellery.
The fashion house rarely brings such important archival pieces out for private fittings, making the occasion particularly special.
Kim was visibly delighted as she tried on the necklace, calling the experience the “best birthday present ever.”
Law, meanwhile, was understandably pleased with himself, describing the arrangement as unprecedented.
And really, when your birthday surprise involves Elizabeth Taylor’s emeralds, you’ve earned those bragging rights!
Kim Kardashian’s Elizabeth Taylor Connection
For Kim, the experience was about more than wearing expensive diamonds and emeralds.
The reality star has long admired Elizabeth Taylor, not just for her extraordinary jewellery collection and glamorous Hollywood image, but also for her confidence and philanthropic work.
Kim revealed that she had once spoken with Taylor over the phone about the necklace. Following the screen legend’s death in 2011, she was also invited to see her jewellery collection before it was cleared from her home.
Trying on the necklace years later brought that connection full circle.
Kim said she wanted to begin her new year of life embracing Taylor’s fearless personality and generous spirit.
And while most birthday celebrations eventually fade into memory, this one comes with a rather unforgettable accessory.
A private Bulgari fitting, a piece of Hollywood history and Elizabeth Taylor’s emeralds around your neck? Now that’s birthday glamour on another level!
